The Remarkable Story of How This 23-year-old Became the World’s Youngest Grandfather

By: Lisa Lee | Last updated: Nov 02, 2023

Tommy was just a typical young man in his early 20s. He was busy with school, working as a real estate agent, and playing sports. But one day, everything changed when he received a shocking message on social media that would turn his world upside down.

Just a few short months later, Tommy found himself in an unexpected role. His story is truly one of a kind and will leave you amazed.

Meet Tommy

Tommy Connolly was a typical 23-year-old guy enjoying his studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. He worked part-time as a real estate agent and had a great group of friends and family.

Advertisement

Source: wikivisually.com

However, Tommy’s life was thrown for a loop when he received a shocking message on social media. But he refused to let this obstacle bring him down. Tommy was a determined young man who won’t let anything stand in his way.

A Triple Threat

Tommy was a triple threat: a student, a social butterfly, and a top-notch athlete. He excelled in track and field, and his coaches had high hopes for his future in the sport. He had already achieved great success at the regional level through sheer hard work and dedication.

Advertisement

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

Tommy knew that he could overcome any challenge and achieve his goals as long as he put his mind to it. However, something unexpected came up and momentarily put his track career on hold.

An Active Lifestyle

Tommy was an adventurous young man who loved spending his free time exploring the great outdoors. Hiking, white water rafting, and rock climbing were just a few of his favorite activities. When he wasn’t busy with these pursuits, Tommy worked hard at various part-time jobs to save up money.

Advertisement

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

But Tommy’s exciting lifestyle took an unexpected turn when he became a grandfather at just 23 years old. How did this happen? Keep reading to find out!

Ambitious and Driven

Tommy was a go-getter from a young age. He studied business and economics in college and had big dreams of starting his own company. He was also smart with his money and saved up a significant amount.

Advertisement

Soource: Instagram/@tommy.connolly

Tommy worked hard to achieve his goals, both in his studies and in his physical fitness. He was an inspiration to many, as not many 23-year-olds could accomplish so much at such a young age. However, he knew that the journey towards his dreams would not be easy and there would be challenges along the way.

Tommy’s Girlfriend

Tommy’s girlfriend, Olivia Tauro, has played a huge role in his journey to success. Not only has she been supportive of his athletic and business pursuits, but she also encouraged him to chase his dreams and explore opportunities beyond Australia.

Source: Facebook/Olivia Tauro

The two have been friends for eight years, and their relationship has only grown stronger over time. Olivia has always been there for Tommy, and she will continue to be a source of support as he navigates through the twists and turns of life.

Advertisement

An Unexpected Message

Tommy was pleasantly surprised to receive a Facebook message from a cousin whom he hadn’t spoken to in over ten years. She had moved away to a town called Southport, and he was excited to reconnect with her because she had always been his favorite cousin.

Advertisement

Source: Instagram/@tommy.connolly

In an interview, Tommy mentioned that he and his cousin had a close relationship growing up. He also said that he enjoyed spending time with her because she was sweet, and they got along well.

Advertisement

A Cousin in Crisis

Tommy’s cousin Kiarna was just 16 years old at the time. He was excited to catch up with her and find out how her life was going. However, it didn’t take long for Tommy to realize that something was really wrong.

Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Kiarna had been through a lot of hardships and was having a hard time getting by. She didn’t even have a home, phone, or shoes and only had a backpack full of clothes. It wasn’t just Kiarna who was in danger, either.

Advertisement

Life on the Streets

Tommy was floored when he found out what had happened to his cousin Kiarna. She had been forced to leave home due to some problems there and had been sleeping rough on the Gold Coast.

Advertisement

Source: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

To survive, Kiarna turned to crime and had a lot of trouble with the law. She also started using illegal substances to deal with everything, but she has since stopped. Both Kiarna and Tommy had no idea how things were about to turn around for her.

Advertisement

A Young Woman in Danger

Kiarna was facing a tough situation. Her boyfriend was in jail, and she was homeless, which made her vulnerable to the challenges of life on the streets. As a minor, her prospects were uncertain. Unfortunately, many children who end up homeless don’t survive for long.

Source: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

However, something amazing was about to happen for Kiarna. Despite the challenges she faced, she was determined to make the best of her circumstances. Her perseverance was about to pay off in a big way.

Advertisement

Tommy Steps Up

Tommy was devastated when he found out his beloved cousin was going through a tough time. He felt guilty for not being aware of her struggles sooner and knew he had to do something to help, even if it meant sacrificing his own needs.

Advertisement

Source: Instagram/@tommy.connolly

Without hesitation, Tommy drove to the Gold Coast to pick up Kiarna. He took her out to lunch and listened as she shared her story. Despite not being asked, he felt it was the right thing to do and was happy to be able to support her.

Advertisement

A Heartbreaking Story

Kiana’s story hit Tommy hard. It was so intense that it made him want to do anything he could to help her and made all of his own problems feel like nothing in comparison. As soon as he heard it, Tommy’s entire focus shifted to supporting Kiana.

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

When he went to pick her up, he was expecting a happy reunion, but instead, she began telling him about the difficult situation she was in. This was especially tough for Tommy to hear because his cousin had been a special part of his childhood.

Advertisement

A Place to Stay

Tommy eagerly offered Kiarna a place to stay when she needed it. Despite having a busy schedule with work and college, he was determined to support her in any way he could. He wasn’t going to let his cousin live on the streets again.

Advertisement

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

When Kiarna arrived at Tommy’s place, she was illiterate and alone. Determined to change that, Tommy threw himself into helping her. However, he was unaware that Kiarna had a secret that she had been keeping out of fear.

Advertisement

A Cousin’s Unconditional Love

Kiarna had always struggled, bouncing between foster homes and eventually ending up homeless. But Tommy was set on changing all that. So he took her in and promised to be her permanent guardian, determined to give her the love and support she deserved.

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

Tommy was intent on helping Kiarna get back on track, ensuring that she was healthy and had the opportunity to go back to school. He wanted to give her a chance to learn and grow and finally have a stable and loving home.

Advertisement

Kiarna’s Secret

Kiarna had a secret that she was terrified to reveal–she was 23 weeks pregnant. She was worried that Tommy would abandon her if he learned about her pregnancy, but he proved to be a true family member and refused to leave her alone.

Advertisement

Source: Flickr/Government of Alberta

Rather than just sending her to a shelter, he was determined to help her out himself, even if it meant making personal sacrifices. Little did he know that his actions would have such a significant impact.

Advertisement

Protecting Kiarna and her Baby

Tommy was a bit surprised when he found out that Kiarna was expecting, but he was insistent on making sure she and her baby were safe. He wanted to get permanent custody of his cousin to protect her and her unborn child.

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

Unfortunately, Kiarna had been dealing with the threat of losing her baby to child services. They had already told her they would take the baby away after it was born. This news weighed heavily on Kiarna throughout her pregnancy, as she worried about not being able to keep her child.

Advertisement

Determined to Succeed

Pregnancy can be a difficult time for any mother, and for Kiarna, it was no different. The possibility of having her child taken away from her only added to the stress and anxiety of the situation. But Kiarna was determined to give her child a better life than she had and was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.

Advertisement

Source: Instagram/@tommy.connolly

Fortunately, Kiarna had Tommy by her side to support her as she navigated the challenges ahead. Together, they would face whatever came their way and work towards building a bright future for her and her child.

Advertisement

Racing Against Time

Tommy had a lot on his plate with the arrival of the baby fast approaching. He wanted to make sure everything was in order so that he could be Kiarna’s legal guardian. However, things didn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped.

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connelly

On their first try at filing the necessary documents, they were told that Tommy wasn’t eligible to be a foster parent. Both he and Kiarna were devastated and worried about what would happen to the baby. But they didn’t lose hope and kept trying to find a solution.

Advertisement

Doing Whatever it Takes

Tommy sought legal advice to find ways to overcome the legal obstacles in order to take care of Kiarna. He even sacrificed his own financial stability, using up his life savings to get a bigger apartment. He also stopped training for track and field competitions to make sure his cousin was taken care of.

Advertisement

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

At that point, Tommy’s main focus was making sure Kiarna had the support she needed, and he didn’t see it as a burden but rather an opportunity to help someone in need.

Advertisement

New Beginnings

Tommy has had a busy few months helping Kiarna get settled into her new life. He’s taken care of everything from finding a place to live and setting up bank accounts to buying furniture and baby supplies.

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

He even found the time to teach Kiarna some important life skills, like reading and writing, and even how to drive. Thanks to his hard work, Kiarna was able to pass her driving test and get her learner’s permit. It seemed like things were really coming together for her now.

Advertisement

The Good News

Tommy had been working hard to improve Kiarna’s life and felt confident that he was ready to take on the responsibility of being her legal guardian. So, he filed for full custody a second time and was thrilled when his request was finally approved.

Advertisement

Source: Vimeo/Warrick Fraser

The news was especially joyous for Kiarna, who was looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life. With Tommy as her legal guardian, she felt confident that both she and her unborn child would be well protected.

Advertisement

Putting Family First

Tommy knew he was making the right choice when he decided to become Kiarna’s legal guardian. Some people thought he was taking on too much and jeopardizing his future, but Tommy didn’t care. Family always came first for him, and he was willing to put in the hard work to do what was right.

SourcE: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

Despite the challenges it presented, Tommy didn’t let being Kiarna’s guardian negatively impact his college studies or his job. He remained committed to making it work and supporting his cousin.

Advertisement

Another Surprise

Kiarna’s life had changed a lot in the past few months. She used to be homeless, but now she had a roof over her head, new clothes, and even a driver’s license. She also got new braces, which was a big improvement.

Advertisement

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

There was one more surprise in store for Kiarna, though. Tommy got her a kitten! This was something that she had always wanted, and she was super excited to meet the little guy and hold him in her arms.

Advertisement

The Big Day

Two months after Tommy became Kiarna’s legal guardian, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy on March 16th. Not only did Tommy work on a college assignment while in the hospital waiting room, but he also filmed the birth, cut the umbilical cord, and made it to class the next day to give a presentation.

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

Kiarna named her son Kayden and Tommy, at just 23 years old, became the youngest grandfather in the world (legally speaking, of course). It’s safe to say that Tommy is one impressive and dedicated young man!

Advertisement

A Happy, Unconventional Family

After baby Kayden arrived home, the whole family worked together to help out with the new addition. Tommy and his girlfriend were included in this effort, creating a close-knit and unconventional family. Despite what others may have thought, they didn’t let outside opinions bother them.

Advertisement

Source: Instagram/@tommy.connolly

Tommy would later praise his cousin, saying that she’s a strong person who just wants the best life for her child. While they still have a long journey ahead, they’ve made great progress and have the support they need to help them through any challenges that may come their way.

Advertisement

The Community Comes Together

Kiarna, Kayden, and Tommy are now happily living together as a family, and their local community even helped out after hearing their heartwarming story. A GoFundMe page was even created for them, and many people generously contributed.

Source: Vimeo/Warrick Fraser

Tommy shared on social media that they were able to get a new fridge, washing machine, dryer, TV unit, and some kitchen items with the funding they had received. He also said that they are grateful to be able to properly wash their clothes again.

Advertisement

Turning his Dreams Into a Reality

Tommy had a lot on his plate–he was a busy real estate agent, but he was also taking on some responsibilities as a “grandfather” to Kayden. Tommy, however, thinks it’s worth it, even if it means putting other aspects of his life on hold for a while.

Advertisement

Source: Instagram/@tommy.connolly

Despite his successful career, Tommy has always had big dreams, and he wasn’t afraid to put in the work to make them a reality. Even while juggling family responsibilities, he was determined to turn his entrepreneurial aspirations into a reality.

Advertisement

Never Say Never

Tommy had always dreamed of starting his own real estate company, so when his old boss told him he was too young, inexperienced, and couldn’t handle the work, Tommy saw it as a challenge.

SourcE: Vimeo/Warrick Fraser

Determined to prove his boss wrong, he started his own company called UN Real Estate. Tommy learned an important lesson from this experience: never tell someone they can’t do something. Tommy believed in his own abilities and wasn’t afraid to take risks and pursue his dreams.

Advertisement

A Different Kind of Real Estate Company

Tommy started UN Real Estate to be a different kind of real estate company. He and his team described themselves as “un-agents,” which, according to Tommy, meant that they didn’t fit the stereotype of pushy, dishonest salespeople.

Advertisement

Source: Vimeo/Warrick Fraser

They wanted to be genuine and authentic, which is reflected in their motto: “We don’t wear ties, we don’t tell lies.” Tommy emphasized that they are just regular people, not “sleazy, manipulative, pushy rude cheesy salesmen.” Aside from starting the company, Tommy made some other changes in his life as well.

Advertisement

The Kindness Ripple Effect

Tommy never expected his act of kindness towards his cousin Kiarna to go viral, but it did! He says it was just a matter of family helping family, which should be a normal thing. Since the story was shared, he’s received countless acts of kindness from strangers.

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

In light of this, Tommy wants others to pay it forward by doing something kind for someone else. He believes that although social media alone can’t change the world, small gestures of kindness can make a big impact and create a ripple effect.

Advertisement

The True Definition of Fatherhood

It’s often said that the best things in life come in unexpected packages. When Kayden was born, Tommy finally understood what that meant. He had lost some loved ones along the way, but he was determined to do everything he could to keep Kayden safe and happy.

Advertisement

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

To Tommy, being a father is about actions, not biology. He may not be Kayden’s biological dad, but he considers himself to be family and vows to always be there for him. In fact, Tommy hasn’t seen his own father in over 13 years. He knows that a father is someone who shows up and does the work, not just someone who is related by blood.

Advertisement

A Future World Champion

Tommy took to social media to share a message for Kayden on his birthday, praising the boy for being the best-looking in the family and for being “the best anti-depressant money couldn’t buy.” He also expressed confidence that the birthday boy will be a future world champion in whatever he chooses to do.

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

Kiarna and Kayden have since moved into their own place and have reconnected with family members that Kiarna had lost touch with. The family has also been working together to give Kayden the best life possible and raise him to be a happy and successful person.

Advertisement

Thriving Together

Kiarna and Kayden are both doing well and enjoying life to the fullest. Kiarna has since accomplished a major milestone–she received her high school diploma! This was no small feat, as she only learned how to read and write in her teens. Now, Kiarna is able to support her son with a full-time job.

Advertisement

Source: Facebook/Tommy Connolly

It’s great to see these two thriving and making the most of their lives. Whether it’s supporting each other or tackling new challenges, Kiarna and Kayden are unstoppable!

Advertisement